MELE program instructors teach courses in music business and production.

HONOLULU (July 19, 2012) - The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents approved the establishment of Honolulu Community College's Associate in Science Degree in Music and Entertainment Learning Experience (MELE), previously a provisional program, at its monthly meeting held on July 19.

“This one-of-its-kind program provides an educational foundation and base of knowledge to nurture and grow careers in the music and entertainment industry both within and outside Hawai‘i,” shares Honolulu Community College Chancellor Erika Lacro.

The Honolulu CC MELE program is the only program in the state that offers students Associate of Science degrees in Music Business or Audio Engineering. The goal of the program is to invest in local talent to grow Hawai‘i's music industry and broaden its reach to the world.

MELE utilizes a comprehensive music business and production curriculum meeting the requirements for entry-level training of music industry and production professionals. The curriculum focuses on combining academic experience with real-world applications to prepare students to work in the rapidly evolving global music industry of the 21st century

"We want people to know we exist to provide professional training that has never existed in Hawai‘i before," shares Keala Chock, director of the MELE program. "Our students have the ability to learn in our state-of-the-art recording studio and learning environment located in the heart of the Kapālama community."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings in the two career fields associated with MELE, marketing managers and sound engineering technicians, are expected to increase by 12 percent and 6 percent respectively through 2018.

The MELE program opened with an enrollment of 27 students. Today, more than 300 students have taken MELE classes. Honolulu Community College awarded its first MELE associate degrees in the spring of 2011.